Project Subaru

jaron · Post by **jaron** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 3:51 am

I am starting up a project that will take me a long, long time. I bought 1991 subaru legacy AWD from a friend. The vehicle had a broken crank shaft and pully system. So I decided that I wanted to put in another engine that was smaller and could get better milage. I am planning on putting in a manual transmission soon. I wanted to replace the current 2.2 with something similar to a corolla engine (similar hp and torque but smaller computer controled 1.8 liter). The big problem is that I'm coming up empty handed with people who can help me. Are there any engines out there that I can adapt over to the subaru without killing myself? I realize that I could stay with the 2.2 but I decided to dream big. Can anyone help?

Splinter · Post by **Splinter** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 3:57 am

Impreza 1.8L (EJ18?) should be a pretty simple swap

I think there was also a Forester with a 1.6L engine, not totally sure on that tho.

Post by **DLC** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 3:58 am

You want to put in a non-boxer engine? That might be a first, or at least a first that I've heard of. You could put in the 1.8 from an Impreza, but I don't think that's a good idea.

Keep in mind that these are not lightweight cars, and need engine size to pull them around. The 2.2 is a decent engine, supremely reliable, gets ok mileage and just works.

Swapping in a turbo engine from another Legacy or Impreza would be the best way to go.

206er · Post by **206er** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 5:39 am

broken crankshaft wtf? did it get hydro locked or what?
why the hell would you do this. the ej22 in a legacy gets damn good mileage for the size and weight of the car. fwd legacies can get in the 30's no trouble. just replace the motor with a good ej22, they are a dime a dozen.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 5:42 am

A smaller engine won't necessarily get better mileage since it will struggle more to move the car. I'd stick with a 2.2 as it's a good match for the vehicle. If you want ultimate fuel efficiency start with something light weight and 2wd, even a fwd Subaru. There was an Impreza 1.8 fwd also.

Steve

Splinter · Post by **Splinter** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 5:42 am

I would imagine a smaller engine in the BC chassis would actually get worse mileage, as it has stay in higher revs to move all that mass.

jaron · Post by **jaron** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 7:23 am

I ought to clarify what Im doing to the car overall. I believe that I have taken my factors into account. Im in the proccess of making the vehicle look similar to a 50 ford woodie. I have stripped the wagon down to the frame and I even took the roof off. In the end, this will become a 2 door wagon with a lift gate. I have removed everything that made the interior modern. This will make the vehicle much lighter when its done (by a magnitude of a couple hundred pounds). The automatic AWD is extremely hard to push, even in neutral - its easier to push my dads full size truck up a hill. I have seen warnings that say that I can tow the manual version behind an RV but not the automatic version (something to do with the transmission). Now to the engine.

I have looked into the current legacy. The engine is larger, two and half times more powerful, and gets better milage. I currently drive like my grandma so keeping the rpms low is no problem. If needed, I can adjust the ratio on the gears. The reason I gave the example of the corolla engine is because its similar to the specs of my current engine in power. I have looked through my service manuals and I do not believe that my current engine is computer controled like some of todays more modern cars. So Im looking to install a modern engine (I know, its a huge pain in the butt). Going with an engine that is of the same size is no problem for me. I just dont want to go any higher and I dont want an engine with an american brand name on it.

Splinter · Post by **Splinter** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 7:30 am

Any EJ type Subaru motor should drop in with minimal fuss

The EJ22 in the first gen legacies is computer controlled.

206er · Post by **206er** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 8:19 am

post some pics. this thing sounds crazy, too crazy.

you cannot easily "adjust the ratio on the gears." its a subaru 4eat not a ford 9".

lets get this straight, you have a subaru wagon that you want to look like a vintage ford made of wood, that you want to put a corolla engine in, and you dont want it to have an american engine.
have fun.

555BCTurbo · Post by **555BCTurbo** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:07 am

You my friend, are a wacko!

I mean that in the nicest possible way!

subawhatsubawho · Post by **subawhatsubawho** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 4:03 pm

If yo*-+u are planning on adding any sheet metal or steal to this vehicle then you are going to want to stick with the EJ22.

Why make it harder on yourslef then you already are.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 6:31 pm

Low rpms won't move the car with a 1.8. The 2.2 is distributorless MPFI computer controlled and was a few years ahead of it's time when it came out. It's also all alloy, so it would be unlikely to find a more powerful better mileage engine that would weigh less or the same and doing the job would be a PITA, not to mention the loss of the boxer's superior torque, balance, and excellent durability.

Good luck with the project - sounds interesting. I'm toying with the idea of a 2-door wagon myself, but with automatically adjustable side skirts and big fans where the back seat would be to suck the car to the road like the Chaparral 2J.

Steve

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Project Subaru

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